Gov't-owned companies expected to join Interruptible Load Program

MANILA, Philippines - Large government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) are expected to run their standby generators once the power supply in Luzon decreases by 2015.

Luzon is facing a 700 megawatt (MW) power shortage from March to July 2015, which may result to brownouts occurring one hour per day every week.

House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Arnel Ty said that GOCCs with backup generators bearing loads of more than one MW are expected to voluntarily enlist in the Interruptible Load Program (ILP).

READ: ERC to expand ILP program

“Of course we expect them to rally around. They are state-held entities. They are supposed to set an example for others, including those in the private sector,” the lawmaker said.

The Commission on Audit data shows that some of the 81 GOCCs may have loads of less than one MW.

Seven Philippine Stock Exchange listed corporations - Ayala Land Inc., Century Properties Group Inc., GMA Network Inc., Megaworld Corp., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., Robinsons Land Corp. and SM Prime Holdings Inc. - have volunteered for the ILP.

The standby generators of private corporations are expected to produce power supply of up to 3,000 MW.

“The ILP is the favored strategy because the backup supply is already there, ready to be harnessed. It also affords consumers the best protection against excessive increases in electricity rates due to the shortage,” Ty said.

Under the ILP, listed participants will disconnect from the Luzon power grid and use their own generators instead.

According to a statement, the Congress is set to approve a joint resolution which will grant the Malacañang emergency powers to deal with the impending power shortage.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier asked the Congress to grant him emergency powers.